Samuel Mvondo Ayolo is a Cameroonian diplomat and politician who currently serves as the Minister, Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic. His position as a close confidant and high-ranking official to President Paul Biya makes him a very influential figure in Cameroonian politics. 

Early life: Born on January 12, 1957 in Sangmélima, Dja-et-Lobo, in the South Region of Cameroon, to Moïse Ayolo, a wealthy cocoa exporter.

Education: After obtaining his baccalauréat, he moved to France for his higher education. He obtained a Master’s degree and a diploma of advanced studies in law and political science from Jean-Moulin University in Lyon. He also holds a State Doctorate in Political Science and International Law.

Early Diplomatic Career: Ayolo began his civil service career in the Ministry of External Relations in 1985. He worked his way up through various positions, becoming Director of the United Nations and Decentralized Cooperation in 1997.

Ambassadorial Roles

Gabon (2008-2016): He was appointed Cameroon’s ambassador to Libreville, Gabon, a position he held for eight years.

France (2016-2018): Following his tenure in Gabon, he was appointed ambassador to Paris, one of Cameroon’s most prestigious diplomatic posts.

Director of Civil Cabinet (2018–present): In 2018, he was recalled to Cameroon and appointed Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, replacing Martin Belinga Eboutou. – -His role involves handling state protocol, presidential communication, and other sensitive, reserved affairs.

– In practice, his influence reportedly extends beyond his official duties, as he manages the president’s agenda and instructs other ministers on behalf of the Head of State.

Political Rivalry: Ayolo has been involved in a long-standing rivalry with Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, another key figure in the presidency.

Burglary and Controversy: In July 2025, Africa Confidential reported a burglary of Ayolo’s office at the presidential palace. During the incident, significant amounts of cash and documents were stolen.

Recent Appearances

Presidential Nomination (July 2025): Alongside Jean Nkuété, Ayolo deposited the nomination of Paul Biya for the upcoming presidential election.

Memory Commission Report (January 2025): He co-presided over the official ceremony in France to present the report of the Franco-Cameroonian Memory Commission to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Personal Loss: In March 2025, he lost his former partner, Valérie, the mother of his son Moïse.

Personal life and family

Close to Power: Ayolo has long been considered a protégé of President Biya, and the relationship is often described as resembling that of a father and son.

Family Ties: He has leveraged his father’s connections and his own relationships to build his political standing. He is also close with Franck Biya, the president’s son. His brother, Yves, is reportedly his private secretary.